With the variant designations taken order, the M240E4 was the developmental, infantry-level medium machine gun form eventually adopted by the US Army after the US Marine M240G model. This version showcased a span of perforated heat shielding which protected the firer while also deflecting heat signals from the sights. Operational weight of this variant was 27lbs and its formal designation became M240B.
The M240C was brought online as coaxial tank machine gun for the M2 and M3 Bradley and LAV-25 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). This version required the traditional left-side feeding of the FN MAG/M240 mechanism to be reversed to feed from the right in an effort to seat the machine gun next to the turret's main gun mounting in the turret. The same weapon is also used in the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank though in its original left-feeding form. Vehicle/tank forms were given a solenoid firing actuation system as opposed to the standard trigger group and the charging handle was replaced by a cable arrangement.
The M240E1 was developed for use in helicopters and fielded with spade grips and appearing on various mounting options. The weapon could be removed from its post and re-utilized as a standard infantry support weapon by way of an "Infantry Modification Kit". The M240D became the updated version of the M240E1 and includes a section of rail for optics support.
The M240G is the standard US Marine designation of the M240 system and is used in all manner of roles including medium machine gun support weapon and vehicle-mounted machine gun. The series is highly similar in scope and function to the US Army M240B model though lacking the perforated heat shield which, in turn, makes for a slightly lighter weapon to carry - 25.6lb weight. Rate-of-fire is variable through three available gas system settings and spans 650-to 950-rounds-per-minute. The M240E5 was brought along as an improved version of the M240D aircraft/ground model. A new flash suppressor was instituted and a section of Picatinny rail added over the receiver to support use of optics. The M240E5 evolved into the M240H production form.
The M240L is a lightened form utilizing improved, weight-saving techniques during its design and assembly. The variant first appeared in the US Army inventory in 2010 and weighs a manageable 22lbs - a 5lb weight-savings from the original US Army M240B.
Operators (beyond the United States) include the nations of Mauritius, Pakistan, Philippines and Spain.
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